EP1038504B1 - Zum einmaligem gebrauch bestimmtes medizinisches instrument und medizinische vorrichtung mit einem solchen instrument - Google Patents

Zum einmaligem gebrauch bestimmtes medizinisches instrument und medizinische vorrichtung mit einem solchen instrument Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1038504B1
EP1038504B1 EP99970308A EP99970308A EP1038504B1 EP 1038504 B1 EP1038504 B1 EP 1038504B1 EP 99970308 A EP99970308 A EP 99970308A EP 99970308 A EP99970308 A EP 99970308A EP 1038504 B1 EP1038504 B1 EP 1038504B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
section
output
terminal
cell
voltage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99970308A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1038504A4 (de
EP1038504A1 (de
Inventor
Koichi Wakikaido
Suminori Kitada
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Alfresa Pharma Corp
Original Assignee
Alfresa Pharma Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Alfresa Pharma Corp filed Critical Alfresa Pharma Corp
Publication of EP1038504A1 publication Critical patent/EP1038504A1/de
Publication of EP1038504A4 publication Critical patent/EP1038504A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1038504B1 publication Critical patent/EP1038504B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods
    • A61B2017/00017—Electrical control of surgical instruments
    • A61B2017/00115—Electrical control of surgical instruments with audible or visual output
    • A61B2017/00119—Electrical control of surgical instruments with audible or visual output alarm; indicating an abnormal situation

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a medical apparatus consisting of a terminal instrument for giving certain treatment to the body with electric or electromagnetic output and an apparatus body for activating the terminal instrument. More specifically, the present invention relates to a disposable medical instrument which is activated by electric or electromagnetic output and equipped with a mechanism that prohibits its reuse after a predetermined length of use, as well as to an apparatus body for activating it, and to a medical apparatus consisting of them.
  • the objective of the present invention is to provide a medical instrument and a medical apparatus equipped with it for microwave surgery, electric knife surgery, laser knife surgery, argon beam coagulation, etc., wherein the medical instrument is made so that it can substantially force itself to be disposed of after use through restricting, without adversely affecting its quality or safety of the apparatus, the length of time during which the use of the medical instrument is allowed by installing in the medical instrument, e.g., a probe, which is brought into direct contact with the body or body fluid of patients a mechanism that limits the operative life span of the instrument.
  • the present invention provides a medical apparatus comprising:
  • the present invention with the above features is characterized in that the installed cell is discharged and wasted via the apparatus body while the terminal instrument is in actual use (e.g., by supplying microwave to the electrodes of a microwave surgery apparatus).
  • the electromotive force of the cell installed in the terminal instrument thus falls below the standard level after a certain length of use.
  • the comparison-and-determination section determines that the electromotive force of the installed cell is below the standard level. This result in the output command from the primary control section being blocked and not transmitted to the terminal-output-generating section. Thus, terminal output is not generated and such a improper use therefore is effectively prevented.
  • the apparatus of the present invention guarantees that the instrument be properly used as a disposable item as originally intended, thereby preventing inter-patient infection via the instrument.
  • the medical instrument according to the present invention does not employ a hydrophilic polymer material or a fuse to be melted down as employed in the prior art.
  • the present instrument free of risks of becoming unusable during use due to swelling or softening, or of giving an electric shock to the patient, and therefore it is safer than those of the prior art.
  • electrical or electromagnetic output includes, but is not limited to, direct current, alternating current, high-frequency current, microwave, and laser.
  • “cable” means any of physical means in general for transmitting terminal output and is not limited to a cable of a particular structure.
  • to "operate as predetermined” means to function as intended for the terminal instrument corresponding to the respective types of terminal output including, but not limited to, microwave radiation, arc discharge, and laser radiation.
  • “medical apparatus” includes in general a variety of medical apparatus “comprising: an apparatus body having a terminal-output-generating section which generates predetermined terminal output which may be electric or electromagnetic output and a primary control section which sends an output command to make the terminal-output-generating section generate terminal output, and a terminal instrument which is removably connected via a cable to the terminal output generating section and operates as predetermined while receiving the terminal output".
  • Typical examples of such a “medical apparatus” include, but are not limited to, an apparatus for microwave surgery, electric knife surgery, laser knife surgery or argon beam coagulation.
  • the terminal instrument is one of those adapted to such an apparatus including, but not limited to, microwave electrodes, an electric knife, a laser knife, or an argon beam coagulation probe.
  • the cell installed in the terminal instrument which is a component of the apparatus of the present invention, is used to set the operative life span of the terminal instrument.
  • a "predetermined duration of discharge" may be set so that the cell is used up during use of the instrument in a usual manner through a single treatment procedure.
  • a microwave treatment apparatus it may be set at a value of about several to ten-odd minutes, for example, before shipment.
  • the load resistance of the circuit used for discharge, as well as the capacity of the installed cell may be selected as desired, without particular limitation, so that the cell will be used up within the predetermined length of time without excessive heat generated during discharge.
  • the installed cell it may be of any of proper types and not limited to particular ones.
  • a preferred type of cells are such that they can keep the electromotive force relatively constant during discharge just until the complete waste is reached. This is because such a type of cells allow an easy and reliable determination of the lapse of the operative life span of the terminal instrument in use with a simple, convenient structure of circuit
  • a preferable example of such a type of cells is a silver oxide cell.
  • an "output command" is generated by the primary control section in response to a predetermined operation by a user and transmitted to the allowable-length-of-use-setting/discharging section and the extension-of-time-setting section.
  • the allowable-length-of-use-setting/discharging section is so made that it discharges the cell via a predetermined resistor upon receipt of the output command and, while thereby wasting the cell over a predetermined span of time, measures the electromotive force of the installed cell by some proper circuit and sends a corresponding voltage-information output to the comparison-and-determination section.
  • An allowable length of use can be set by properly adjusting resistance, which preferably is set before shipment in a manner that prohibits any arbitrary alteration by a user.
  • the electromotive force of the installed cell can be readily derived based on the voltage between two points in the circuit and the electrical properties known of the circuit, though any other means may be employed.
  • the "voltage-information output" may be given in any form such as the voltage corresponding to the electromotive force of the installed cell, or digital data indicating the electromotive force of the installed cell, or the like.
  • the comparison-and-determination section is constructed using any proper comparator circuit compatible with the allowable-length-of-use-setting/discharging section, for which known means may be used as desired.
  • the standard-voltage-setting section provides standard-voltage information based on which the comparison-and-determination section determines whether or not the cell is used up, which information, as is the above form of the voltage-information output, is any form compatible with the comparison-and-determination section.
  • the discharging cell keeps its cell voltage at about 1.4 - 1.3 V just until the complete waste is reached, and the cell voltage sharply lowers when completely wasted. Therefore, a standard voltage of 1 V, for example, allows an easy determination of when the cell is used up.
  • more than one standard voltages may be set, such as a first standard voltage for detecting when complete waste of the installed cell is approaching, and a second standard voltage, which is lower than the former, for detecting the complete waste of the installed cell.
  • the standard voltages may be utilized to let the comparison-and-determination section, the extension-of-time-setting section and the alarm-generating section to operate in association in such a manner that a corresponding signal is sent to the alarm-generating section when the cell voltage comes down below the first standard voltage, and thereby a provisional alarm is generated which predicts the approach of the cell's use up, and, only when the cell voltage has fallen below the second standard voltage, the output command is blocked and an alarm is activated telling the shut down of the output.
  • the extension-of-time-setting section is constructed using any proper circuit provided that it serves as a gate which, according to the result signal received from the comparison-and-determination section, transmits the output command to the terminal-output-generating section if the electromotive force of the installed cell is on or above the predetermined standard voltage but blocks the output command if the electromotive force of the installed cell is lower than the standard level (the standard voltage).
  • the extension-of-time-setting section may, as desired, have an additional function that can extend the allowable length of use of the terminal instrument while it is being used.
  • the alarm-generating section may be so constructed that it, according to the result signal received (directly or indirectly, via the extension-of-time-setting section) from the comparison-and-determination section, generates an alarm which allows for the user to readily realize the condition of the terminal instrument if the electromotive force of the installed cell is below the standard level (the standard voltage), which alarm may be an optical and/or auditory alarm, e.g., a yellow or red lamp which is lit or blinks, an interrupted or continuous sound, or displayed characters of "Warning" or "Stop Using”.
  • an optical and/or auditory alarm e.g., a yellow or red lamp which is lit or blinks, an interrupted or continuous sound, or displayed characters of "Warning" or "Stop Using".
  • the present invention also provides a medical apparatus as above described and further characterized in that:
  • the apparatus with the above features can make the terminal instrument unusable when the installed cell is wasted through the use of the terminal instrument beyond a predetermined allowable length of time even while the terminal output is being generated.
  • a terminal instrument once used causes higher probability that it, if reused, is made unusable just while it is being reused, for its installed cell's capacity has been decreased even if not completely wasted.
  • This apparatus therefore, can effectively prevent reuse of the terminal instrument once used.
  • the present invention provides a medical apparatus with the above features of (a) to (j) which can make the terminal instrument unusable while the terminal output is being generated when the installed cell is wasted through the use of the terminal instrument beyond a predetermined allowable length of time, which is further characterized in that the extension-of-time-setting section is provided with a timer mechanism which is turned on when the electromotive force of the installed cell has come down below the standard level in (h), and that the primary control section, the allowable-length-of-use-setting/discharging section, the comparison-and-determination section and extension-of-time-setting section are mutually associated in such a manner that the output command being received from the primary control section is transmitted to the terminal-output-generating section without being blocked until the term set by the timer mechanism has lapsed.
  • this apparatus allows to avoids any inconvenience of exchanging terminal instruments during the treatment by adjusting the timer mechanism to a proper length of time, for a permitted use of the terminal instrument is guaranteed for a predetermined length of time (three minutes, for example, in the case of a microwave treatment apparatus) after the use up of the installed cell.
  • the user is notified by the generated alarm that a short time is left for the permitted use of the same terminal instrument.
  • the apparatus may be so constructed that it does not block the output command while the terminal instrument is activated and block only a newly generated output command once the previous output command was halted.
  • the present invention further provides a medical apparatus with the above features of (a) to (j) which can make the terminal instrument unusable while the terminal output is being generated when the installed cell is wasted through the use of the terminal instrument beyond a predetermined allowable length of time, which is further characterized in that the primary control section, the allowable-length-of-use-setting/discharging section, the comparison-and-determination section and extension-of-time-setting section are mutually associated in such a manner that, after the electromotive force of the installed cell has come down below the standard level in (h), the output command being received from the primary control section is transmitted to the terminal-output-generating section without being blocked until the output command is once halted.
  • the output command is transmitted to the terminal-output-generating section without being blocked to allow the terminal instrument to be kept activated insofar as the output command is continuously generated by the primary control section even if the installed cell has been used up.
  • This apparatus therefore, allows a prolonged use of the terminal instrument without trouble of its being shut down just while it is in use. This situation is maintained until the output command is halted.
  • the comparison-and-determination section determines that the electromotive force of the installed cell has come down below the standard level and sends the corresponding result signal to the extension-of-time-setting section.
  • the signal from the comparison-and-determination section is also transmitted directly, or indirectly via the extension-of-time-setting section, to the alarm-generating section to generate a predetermined alarm, so that the user is notified that the operative life span for the terminal instrument has lapsed.
  • timer mechanism aforementioned may be combined with the above alternative arrangement that is so constructed as no to block the output command while the terminal instrument is being activated.
  • the present invention further provides a medical apparatus with the above features of (a) to (j) which can make the terminal instrument unusable while the terminal output is being generated when the installed cell is wasted through the use of the terminal instrument beyond a predetermined allowable length of time, which is further characterized in that the extension-of-time-setting section is provided with a timer mechanism which is turned on when the electromotive force of the installed cell has come down below the standard level in (h), and that the primary control section, the allowable-length-of-use-setting/discharging section, the comparison-and-determination section and extension-of-time-setting section are mutually associated in such a manner that the output command being received from the primary control section is transmitted to the terminal-output-generating section without being blocked until the term set by the timer mechanism has lapsed and that, even when the term set by the timer mechanism has lapsed, the output command being received from the primary control section is transmitted to the terminal-output-generating section without being blocked until the output command is once halted.
  • the terminal instrument can be used for a predetermined length of extra time because of the timer mechanism after the installed cell has been used up during a treatment procedure, and, even when the term set by the timer mechanism has lapsed, the output is not blocked insofar as the terminal instrument is being activated.
  • the present invention provides any of the medical apparatus described above which further comprises a checking mechanism so constructed that it, when the output command is not generated, sends to the comparison-and-determination section a voltage-information output corresponding to the electromotive force of the installed cell derived based on the voltage between the cell-voltage-input terminals without causing substantial discharge of the installed cell.
  • Such a checking mechanism may be incorporated into the allowable-length-of-use-setting/discharging section or provided separately.
  • the specific structure of the checking mechanism is not limited to a particular one. Conveniently, it may be any proper mechanism which, independently from the output command, provides electrical connection between the cell-voltage-input terminals via a resistor with sufficient resistance to avoid any substantial waste of the cell, thus detecting the voltage and sending to the comparison-and-determination section a voltage-information output in the same form as that from the allowable-length-of-use-setting/discharging section.
  • the medical apparatus with this incorporated checking mechanism is still more useful, for it allows to check the electromotive force of the installed cell well before the output command is set to be generated, i.e., in the step in which the terminal instrument is connected via a cable to the apparatus body, and to promptly know if the operative life span has lapsed with the terminal instrument.
  • the present invention also provides, in addition to the apparatus body as the component of the above medical apparatus, a medical terminal instrument which has an installed cell and terminals connectable to the cell-voltage-input terminals on the apparatus body and can be used in combination with the apparatus body.
  • the present invention provides a medical terminal instrument which operates while receiving from an apparatus body terminal output which may be electric or electromagnetic output, and which is provided with an installed cell of predetermined capacity and further provided with terminals respectively extending from the both poles of the installed cell and electrically connected via a cable to respective cell-voltage-input terminals on the apparatus body.
  • the terminal instrument of the present invention is characterized in that it is provided, in order to limit its own operative life span, with an installed cell which is discharged while the instrument is being used.
  • the fundamental structure of it as a terminal instrument for one of a variety of medical apparatus such as an apparatus for microwave treatment, electric knife surgery, laser knife surgery or argon beam coagulation, etc., is the same with a conventional corresponding instrument. Therefore, insofar as the apparatus body of the medical apparatus has a function of wasting the cell by discharging it during use in order for determining the total length of use of the terminal instrument, the terminal instrument of the present invention may be used in combination with such a variety of medical apparatus regardless of the manner of determination of the operative life span or the manner of controlling the medical apparatus based on the determination.
  • the present invention may be embodied in a variety of apparatus such as an apparatus for microwave surgery, electric knife surgery, laser knife surgery or argon beam coagulation. Therefore, the specific structures of the primary controller, the terminal output generator and the terminal instrument in the present invention are common with the corresponding structures of such a variety of apparatus. Also common to the variety of apparatus is the way of operating the primary controller.
  • the primary controller is so constructed that it generates and sends an output command ordering to "generate microwave" to the terminal-output-generating section (microwave generating section in this case) via the extension-of-time-setting section when a footswitch is stepped on, a coagulation timer is counting down, and no urgent-stop command is received from any one of safety circuits, which are usually included.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating the features of the present invention in a terminal instrument of the embodiment, an electrode for microwave surgery.
  • 1 indicates the microwave surgery electrode, which is in this embodiment a well known monopolar electrode.
  • 3 indicates a high-frequency connector, which is connected via a cable (now shown) to the body of the microwave surgery apparatus.
  • the part on a block 5 schematically shows an installed cell and a related circuit, taken out for explanation, which are incorporated in the high-frequency connector 3 of the microwave surgery electrode 1.
  • 7 indicates an installed cell, which is a small-sized silver oxide cell, for example.
  • One of the poles of the installed cell 7 is connected to one of low voltage terminals 13 via a protective resistor 9 and a conductive wire 11a, and the other of the poles of the installed cell 7 is connected to the other of the low voltage terminals 13 via a conductive wire 11b.
  • the low voltage terminals 13 may be either exposed outside the high-frequency connector 3 or incorporated in the interior of the high-frequency connector 3. In the figure, the low voltage terminals 13 and part of the conductive wires 11a and 11b connected to it are exposed outside the high-frequency connector 3, thus forming a separate set of terminals independent from the high-frequency connector 3.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • 21 indicates the apparatus body.
  • a microwave output command generated by a primary control section 23 in the apparatus body 21, if not blocked by an extension-of-time-setting section 25, is transmitted to a microwave generating section (consisting of a microwave generator) 27 via the extension-of-time-setting section, and microwave generated by the microwave generating section 27 is led to the microwave surgery electrode 1 via the cable connected to output terminals 29 and via the high-frequency connector 3.
  • the conducting wires extending from the both poles of the installed cell 7 of the microwave surgery electrode 1 are connected to the cell-voltage-input terminals 31 on the apparatus body 21 via the low voltage terminals 13 and via the cable, and then communicating with an allowable-length-of-use-setting/discharging section 33.
  • the allowable-length-of-use-setting/discharging section 33 operates upon receipt of the output command from the primary control section 23 to close the circuit including the installed cell 7 illustrated in Figure 1 via a resistor R with predetermined resistance, which may be a variable resistor, provided in the allowable-length-of-use-setting/ discharging section 33, to continuously discharge the installed cell 7.
  • the allowable-length-of-use-setting/discharging section 33 measures the voltage between the both ends of the resistor and determines the electromotive force of the installed cell 7 on the basis of the fractions of resistance of the circuit including the internal resistance of the installed cell 7 and the resistance of the protective resistor 9, and transmits corresponding voltage, which is the voltage-information output, to a comparison-and-determination section 35.
  • the comparison-and-determination section 35 receives this voltage-information output as well as a reference voltage from a standard-voltage-setting section 37 that provides the criterion for determining about the waste of the installed cell 7, and determines whether or not the electromotive force of the cell is still on or above the standard level.
  • the comparison-and-determination section 35 outputs the result of the determination for the extension-of-time-setting section 25.
  • the allowable-length-of-use-setting/discharging section 33 also has a checking mechanism which so functions that it, in the step in which the microwave surgery electrode 1 is attached prior to use to the apparatus body via the cable, closes a circuit including the installed cell 7 illustrated in Figure 1 via a resistor which is different from and has far greater resistance than the above-mentioned resistor R to measure the electromotive force of the installed cell 7 without wasting it and transmits corresponding voltage, which is the voltage-information output, to the comparison-and-determination section 35.
  • the checking mechanism is so constructed that it does no require for its operation the output command from the primary control section 23, and therefore it can check the installed cell 7 immediately after the microwave surgery electrode 1 is connected.
  • the comparison-and-determination section 35 compares the voltage-information output from the checking mechanism with the voltage-information output from the standard-voltage-setting section 37, thereby determines whether or not the electromotive force of the installed cell 7 is below the standard level, and outputs the result signal for the extension-of-time-setting section 25.
  • An alarm-generating section 39 receives signals from the comparison-and-determination section 35 via the extension-of-time-setting section 25 and generates an alarm corresponding to levels of the electromotive force of the installed cell 7.
  • An optical as well as auditory alarm is given by a lamp turned on and a signal sound.
  • the extension-of-time-setting section 25 upon receipt of the output command from the primary control section 23, transmits the output signal to the microwave generating section 27 (ON) if the result signal from the comparison-and-determination section 35 is the one indicating that the electromotive force of the installed cell is on or above the standard voltage at which the use of the microwave surgery electrode 1 is allowed. On the contrary, if the result signal from the comparison-and-determination section 35 is the one indicating that the electromotive force of the installed cell 7 has come down below the standard voltage at which the use of the microwave surgery electrode 1 is allowed, the output command is blocked and not transmitted to the microwave generating section 27 (OFF).
  • extension-of-time-setting section 25 transmits the output command to the microwave generating section 27 (ON) as long as the result signal from the comparison-and-determination section 35 is the one indicating that the electromotive force of the installed cell 7 is on or above the standard voltage at which the use of the microwave surgery electrode 1 is allowed.
  • the extension-of-time-setting section 25 activates a timer and transmits the output command to the microwave generating section 27 (ON maintained) without blocking it until the term of three minutes originally set in the timer has lapsed regardless of the signal from the comparison-and-determination section 35, and then blocks the output command at the same time when the set term has just lapsed.
  • the result signal from the comparison-and-determination section 35 is the one indicating that the electromotive force of the installed cell 7 has come down below the standard voltage at which the use of the microwave surgery electrode 1 is allowed, the signal is also transmitted to the alarm-generating section and therefore the user is notified with the activated optical and auditory alarm that the remaining time is being counted down during which the use of the microwave surgery electrode 1 is allowed.
  • Figure 3 is a graph which shows the discharge profile of a silver oxide cell (SR512SW) used as the installed cell 7, in which graph the vertical axis represents the cell voltage and the horizontal axis the time lapse (in minutes) from the start of discharge.
  • SR512SW silver oxide cell
  • Figure 1 shows the discharge profile of a silver oxide cell (SR512SW) used as the installed cell 7, in which graph the vertical axis represents the cell voltage and the horizontal axis the time lapse (in minutes) from the start of discharge.
  • SR512SW silver oxide cell
  • FIG 4 is a perspective view of the outlook of an embodiment of the terminal instrument, microwave surgery electrode 1.
  • the installed cell 7 and the protective resistor 9, both illustrated in Figure 1 are placed inside the handle 41 of the microwave surgery electrode 1.
  • From the lateral surface of the handle 41 extend the conductive wires 11, at the end of which is attached low voltage terminals 13.
  • the high-frequency connector 3 is connected to the end of the predetermined cable which in turn is connected to the apparatus body 1.
  • the cable is provided with distal terminals to be connected to the low voltage terminals 13 and proximal terminals connected to the distal terminals via conductive wires through the cable.
  • connection is established between the installed cell 7 and the allowable-length-of-use-setting/discharging section 33.
  • the low voltage terminals 13 are provided as a separate part from the high-frequency connector 3 and exposed outside. However, they may be formed into an integral connector.
  • the present invention enables to provide a, medical instrument and medical apparatus equipped with it for microwave surgery, electric knife surgery, laser knife surgery, argon beam coagulation, etc., wherein the medical instrument is made so that it can substantially force itself to be disposed of after use through restricting, without adversely affecting its quality or safety of the apparatus, the length of time during which the use of the medical instrument is allowed.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Surgical Instruments (AREA)
  • Endoscopes (AREA)
  • Laser Surgery Devices (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)

Claims (13)

  1. Medizinisches Gerät, welches aufweist:
    einen Gerätekörper (21), welches besitzt: ein Bauteil (27) zum Erzeugen eines Terminal-Ausgangssignals, welches ein vorher festgelegtes Terminal-Ausgangssignal erzeugt, welches ein elektrisches oder elektromagnetisches Ausgangssignal sein kann, und ein primäres Steuerteil (23), welches einen Ausgangsbefehl sendet, um das Bauteil (27) zum Erzeugen eines Terminal-Ausgangssignals dazu zu bringen, ein Terminal-Ausgangssignal zu erzeugen, und
    ein Terminal-Instrument, welches über ein Kabel mit dem Bauteil (27) zum Erzeugen eines Terminal-Ausgangssignals entfernbar verbunden ist und welches wie vorher festgelegt arbeitet, während es das Terminal-Ausgangssignal empfängt, wobei:
    (1) das Terminal-Instrument mit einer installierten Zelle (7) mit vorher festgelegter Kapazität ausgestattet ist und ferner mit Terminals bzw. Anschlüssen (13) ausgestattet ist, welche sich jeweils von den beiden Polen der installierten Zelle (7) erstrecken und welche elektrisch über ein Kabel mit den jeweiligen Zellen-Eingangsspannungsanschlüssen (31) auf dem Gerätekörper (21) verbunden sind, und
    (2) der Gerätekörper (21) ausgestattet ist mit:
    (a) einem Bauteil (33) zum Einstellen der zulässigen Länge des Gebrauchs / Entladeteil und einem Bauteil (25) zum Einstellen der Zeitausdehnung, wobei beide aufgrund des Empfangens des Ausgangsbefehls von dem ersten Steuerbereich (23) arbeiten, sowie mit einem Vergleichs- und Bestimmungsteil (35), einem Teil (37) zum Einstellen der Standardspannung, welche das Vergleichs- und Bestimmungsteil (35) mit Standardspannungsinformation beliefert, auf welche Bezug zu nehmen ist, und einem Alarmerzeugungsteil (39), wobei:
    (b) das Einstell-/Entladeteil (33) für die zulässige Länge des Gebrauchs so aufgebaut ist, dass es aufgrund des Empfangens des Ausgangsbefehls eine elektrische Verbindung zwischen den Zellen-Eingangsspannungsanschlüssen über einen vorher festgelegten Widerstand (9) liefert, um einen in sich geschlossenen Stromkreis zu bilden, um die installierte Zelle (7) zu entladen, und ein Spannungsinformationsausgangsignal entsprechend der elektromotorischen Kraft der installierten Zelle, welches basierend auf der Spannung zwischen zwei Punkten innerhalb der Schaltung abgeleitet ist, an das Vergleichs- und Bestimmungsteil zu senden,
    (c) das Vergleichs- und Bestimmungsteil (35) so aufgebaut ist, dass es das Spannungsinformationsausgangssignal mit der Standardspannungsinformation vergleicht, welche von dem Teil (37) zum Einstellen der Standardspannung empfangen wird, und bestimmt, ob die elektromotorische Kraft der installierten Zelle (7) auf einem oder oberhalb eines Standardpegels ist oder unter den Standardpegel abgefallen ist und das Ergebnissignal an das Teil (25) zum Einstellen der Zeitausdehnung und das Alarmerzeugungsteil (39) liefert,
    (d) das Teil (25) zum Einstellen der Zeitausdehnung so aufgebaut ist, dass es beim Empfangen des Signals von dem Vergleichs- und Bestimmungsteil (35) den Ausgangsbefehl, welcher von dem ersten Steuerteil (23) empfangen wird, an das Teil (27) zur Erzeugung des Anschlussausgangssignals sendet, wenn die elektromotorische Kraft der installierten Zelle (7) auf oder oberhalb eines Standardpegels ist, jedoch den Ausgangsbefehl blockieren kann, wenn die elektromotorische Kraft der installierten Zelle unterhalb des Standardpegels ist,
    (e) das Alarmerzeugungsteil (39) so aufgebaut ist, dass es entsprechend dem resultierenden Signal, welches von dem Vergleichs- und Bestimmungsteil (35) empfangen wird, einen Alarm erzeugt, um das Ergebnis anzuzeigen, falls die elektromotorische Kraft der installierten Zelle (7) kleiner als der Standardpegel ist, und
    (f) das Teil (33) zum Einstellen der zulässigen Länge des Gebrauchs/das Entladeteil so aufgebaut ist, dass es das Entladen der installierten Zelle (7) aufrechterhält, während der Ausgangsbefehl von dem ersten Steuerteil (23) an das Teil (27) zum Erzeugen des Anschlussausgangssignals gesendet wird, und das Teil zum Erzeugen des Anschlussausgangssignals ein Anschlussausgangssignal erzeugt.
  2. Medizinisches Gerät nach Anspruch 1, welches ferner dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass:
    (g) das Teil (25) zum Einstellen der Zeitausdehnung so aufgebaut ist, dass es, während der Ausgangsbefehl von dem ersten Steuerteil an das Teil zum Erzeugen des Anschlussausgangssignals übertragen wird und das Teil zum Erzeugen des Anschlussausgangssignals dadurch ein Anschlussausgangssignal erzeugt, kontinuierlich das Spannungsinformations-Ausgangssignal entsprechend der elektromotorischen Kraft der installierten Zelle an das Vergleichs- und Bestimmungsteil sendet,
    (h) das Vergleichs- und Bestimmungsteil (35) so aufgebaut ist, dass es das fortwährend empfangene Spannungsinformations-Ausgangssignal mit der Standardspannungsinformation vergleicht, welche von dem Einstellteil der Standardspannung erhalten wird, wodurch es fortwährend bestimmt, ob die elektromotorische Kraft der installierten Zelle auf oder über dem Standardpegel ist oder unterhalb des Standardpegels angelangt ist, und das Ergebnissignal an das Einstellteil zur Zeitausdehnung und das den Alarm erzeugende Teil sendet,
    (i) das Teil (25) zum Einstellen der Zeitausdehnung so aufgebaut ist, dass es beim Empfang des Signals bei (h) fortfährt, den Ausgangsbefehl, welcher von dem ersten Steuerteil empfangen wurde, an das Teil zum Erzeugen des Anschlussausgangssignals zu senden, wenn die elektromotorische Kraft der installierten Zelle auf oder oberhalb des Standardpegels ist, jedoch den Ausgangsbefehl blockieren kann, wenn die elektromotorische Kraft der installierten Zelle unterhalb des Standardpegels angelangt ist, und
    (j) das den Alarm erzeugende Teil (39) so konstruiert ist, dass es entsprechend dem Signal bei (h) einen Alarm erzeugen kann, welcher anzeigt, wenn die elektromotorische Kraft der installierten Zelle unterhalb des Standardpegels angelangt ist.
  3. Medizinisches Gerät nach Anspruch 2, ferner dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Teil (25) zum Einstellen der Zeitausdehnung mit einem Zeiteinstellmechanismus ausgestattet ist, welcher eingeschaltet wird, wenn die elektromotorische Kraft der installierten Zelle (7) unterhalb des Standardpegels bei (h) angelangt ist, und dass das erste Steuerteil (23), das Teil (33) zum Einstellen der zulässigen Länge des Gebrauchs /das Entladeteil, das Vergleichs- und Bestimmungsteil (35) und das Teil (25) zum Einstellen der Zeitausdehnung gegenseitig in einer derartigen Weise verbunden sind, dass der Ausgangsbefehl, welcher von dem ersten Steuerteil (23) empfangen wird, an das Teil (27) zum Erzeugen des Terminal-Ausgangssignals übertragen wird, ohne dass es blockiert wird, bis der Term, welcher durch den Zeitmechanismus eingestellt ist, abgelaufen ist.
  4. Medizinisches Gerät nach Anspruch 2, ferner dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Steuerteil, das Teil (33) zum Einstellen der zulässigen Länge des Gebrauchs /das Entladeteil, das Vergleichs- und Bestimmungsteil (35) und das Einstellteil (25) für die Zeitausdehnung bzw. -verlängerung gegenseitig in einer derartigen Weise assoziiert sind, dass, nachdem die elektromotorische Kraft der installierten Zelle (7) unterhalb des Standardpegels bei (h) angelangt ist, der Ausgangsbefehl, welcher von dem ersten Steuerteil (25) empfangen wird, an das Teil (27) zum Erzeugen des Anschlussausgangssignals übertragen wird, ohne blockiert zu werden, bis der Ausgangsbefehl einmal angehalten ist.
  5. Medizinisches Gerät nach Anspruch 3, ferner dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Steuerteil, das Teil zum Einstellen der zulässigen Länge des Gebrauchs/ das Entladeteil, das Vergleichs- und Bestimmungsteil (35) und das Teil (25) zum Einstellen der Zeitausdehnung gegenseitig in einer derartigen Weise verbunden sind, dass sogar dann, nachdem der Term, welcher durch den Zeitmechanismus eingestellt ist, verstrichen ist, der Ausgangsbefehl, welcher von dem ersten Steuerteil (23) empfangen wird, an das Teil zum Erzeugen des Anschlussausgangssignals übertragen wird, ohne blockiert zu werden, bis der Ausgangsbefehl einmal angehalten wird.
  6. Medizinisches Gerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, welches ferner einen Prüfmechanismus aufweist, welcher so aufgebaut ist, dass, wenn der Ausgangsbefehl nicht erzeugt wird, er ein Spannungsinformations-Ausgangssignal an das Vergleichs- und Bestimmungsteil (35) sendet, welches der elektromotorischen Kraft der installierten Zelle (7) entspricht, welches basierend auf der Spannung zwischen den Zellen-Eingangsspannungsanschlüssen abgeleitet wird, ohne ein wesentliches Entladen der installierten Zelle zu verursachen.
  7. Medizinisches Gerät nach Anspruch 1, welches ein Gerät für Mikrowellenchirurgie, für Chirurgie mit elektrischem Messer, für Chirurgie mit Lasermesser oder für Argonstrahl-Koagulation ist.
  8. Medizinisches Gerät nach Anspruch 6, welches ein Gerät für Mikrowellenchirurgie, für Chirurgie mit elektrischem Messer, für Chirurgie mit Lasermesser oder für Argonstrahl-Koagulation ist.
  9. Gerätekörper des medizinischen Gerätes, wie es in einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5 definiert ist.
  10. Medizinisches Gerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 6, wobei die installierte Zelle eine Silberoxidzelle ist.
  11. Medizinisches Terminal-bzw. Anschlussinstrument des medizinischen Gerätes, wie es in einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6 definiert ist, wobei das Instrument so angepasst ist, dass es arbeitet, wenn es von dem Gerätekörper (21) ein Terminal-Ausgangssignal empfängt, welches ein elektrisches oder elektromagnetisches Ausgangssignal sein kann und welches mit einer installierten Zelle (7) von vorher festgelegter Kapazität versehen ist, und ferner mit Anschlüssen (13) ausgestattet ist, welche sich jeweils von beiden Polen der installierten Zelle erstrecken und welche elektrisch über ein Kabel an die jeweiligen Zell-Eingangsspannungsanschlüsse (31) des Gerätekörpers (21) anschließbar sind.
  12. Anschlussinstrument nach Anspruch 11, welches ein Anschlussinstrument für ein Gerät zur Mikrowellenchirurgie, zur Chirurgie mit elektrischem Messer, zur Chirurgie mit Lasermesser oder zur Argonstrahl-Koagulation ist.
  13. Anschlussinstrument nach den Ansprüchen 11 oder 12, wobei die installierte Zelle (7) eine Silberoxidzelle ist.
EP99970308A 1998-10-09 1999-10-06 Zum einmaligem gebrauch bestimmtes medizinisches instrument und medizinische vorrichtung mit einem solchen instrument Expired - Lifetime EP1038504B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP28750398A JP4142173B2 (ja) 1998-10-09 1998-10-09 ディスポーザブル医療器具及びこれを組み込んだ医療装置
JP28750398 1998-10-09
PCT/JP1999/005526 WO2000021448A1 (fr) 1998-10-09 1999-10-06 Instrument medical jetable et dispositif medical incorpore dans ledit instrument

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1038504A1 EP1038504A1 (de) 2000-09-27
EP1038504A4 EP1038504A4 (de) 2001-11-21
EP1038504B1 true EP1038504B1 (de) 2005-03-09

Family

ID=17718192

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99970308A Expired - Lifetime EP1038504B1 (de) 1998-10-09 1999-10-06 Zum einmaligem gebrauch bestimmtes medizinisches instrument und medizinische vorrichtung mit einem solchen instrument

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US6428535B1 (de)
EP (1) EP1038504B1 (de)
JP (1) JP4142173B2 (de)
AT (1) ATE290342T1 (de)
DE (1) DE69924094T2 (de)
WO (1) WO2000021448A1 (de)

Families Citing this family (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3652283B2 (ja) * 2000-11-14 2005-05-25 オリンパス株式会社 内視鏡用バッテリ式電源装置
US7258690B2 (en) 2003-03-28 2007-08-21 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Windowed thermal ablation probe
US6907884B2 (en) 2002-09-30 2005-06-21 Depay Acromed, Inc. Method of straddling an intraosseous nerve
US8361067B2 (en) 2002-09-30 2013-01-29 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Methods of therapeutically heating a vertebral body to treat back pain
US8613744B2 (en) 2002-09-30 2013-12-24 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Systems and methods for navigating an instrument through bone
JP4800934B2 (ja) * 2004-04-30 2011-10-26 オリンパス株式会社 エネルギ照射装置
US8353906B2 (en) * 2005-08-01 2013-01-15 Ceramatec, Inc. Electrochemical probe and method for in situ treatment of a tissue
US9186200B2 (en) * 2006-01-24 2015-11-17 Covidien Ag System and method for tissue sealing
AU2009296474B2 (en) 2008-09-26 2015-07-02 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Systems and methods for navigating an instrument through bone
US10028753B2 (en) 2008-09-26 2018-07-24 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Spine treatment kits
US8632525B2 (en) * 2010-09-17 2014-01-21 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. Power control arrangements for surgical instruments and batteries
JP5734631B2 (ja) * 2010-12-02 2015-06-17 オリンパス株式会社 手術支援システム
WO2013101772A1 (en) 2011-12-30 2013-07-04 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Systems and methods for treating back pain
US10588691B2 (en) 2012-09-12 2020-03-17 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Radiofrequency ablation of tissue within a vertebral body
US9265972B2 (en) 2012-09-24 2016-02-23 Olympus Corporation Ultrasonic treatment device
EP2914186B1 (de) 2012-11-05 2019-03-13 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Systeme zur erzeugung von kurven durch knochen und modulationsnerven innerhalb von knochen
US9724151B2 (en) 2013-08-08 2017-08-08 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Modulating nerves within bone using bone fasteners
WO2015183880A1 (en) * 2014-05-27 2015-12-03 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Self-authenticating intravascular device and associated devices, systems, and methods
AU2020346827B2 (en) 2019-09-12 2026-03-12 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Systems and methods for tissue modulation
AU2021306313A1 (en) 2020-07-10 2023-03-02 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Vertebral denervation in conjunction with vertebral fusion
US12082876B1 (en) 2020-09-28 2024-09-10 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Introducer drill
EP4268150A4 (de) 2020-12-22 2024-12-18 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Vorhersage von kandidaten für die spinale neuromodulation
US12433668B1 (en) 2021-11-08 2025-10-07 Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Impedance stoppage mitigation during radiofrequency tissue ablation procedures

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS62139643A (ja) * 1985-12-13 1987-06-23 オリンパス光学工業株式会社 放電結石破壊装置
JP2807249B2 (ja) * 1989-02-15 1998-10-08 株式会社東芝 結石破砕装置
US5359993A (en) * 1992-12-31 1994-11-01 Symbiosis Corporation Apparatus for counting the number of times a medical instrument has been used
JPH04323571A (ja) * 1991-04-22 1992-11-12 Olympus Optical Co Ltd 消耗部品の使用時間測定装置
JP3065174B2 (ja) * 1992-06-02 2000-07-12 株式会社トキメック 燃焼器具の使用時間検出装置
US5275166A (en) * 1992-11-16 1994-01-04 Ethicon, Inc. Method and apparatus for performing ultrasonic assisted surgical procedures
JPH0795982A (ja) 1993-04-19 1995-04-11 Olympus Optical Co Ltd ディスポーザブル医療用具
US5782749A (en) * 1994-05-10 1998-07-21 Riza; Erol D. Laparoscopic surgical instrument with adjustable grip
US5518927A (en) * 1994-08-17 1996-05-21 Steris Corporation Instrument sterilation life-span indicator
JPH08275957A (ja) * 1995-04-07 1996-10-22 Olympus Optical Co Ltd 電気的外科手術装置
US5817092A (en) * 1995-11-09 1998-10-06 Radio Therapeutics Corporation Apparatus, system and method for delivering radio frequency energy to a treatment site
US5792138A (en) * 1996-02-22 1998-08-11 Apollo Camera, Llc Cordless bipolar electrocautery unit with automatic power control

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1038504A4 (de) 2001-11-21
DE69924094D1 (de) 2005-04-14
DE69924094T2 (de) 2005-07-14
US6428535B1 (en) 2002-08-06
JP2000107189A (ja) 2000-04-18
EP1038504A1 (de) 2000-09-27
WO2000021448A1 (fr) 2000-04-20
ATE290342T1 (de) 2005-03-15
JP4142173B2 (ja) 2008-08-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1038504B1 (de) Zum einmaligem gebrauch bestimmtes medizinisches instrument und medizinische vorrichtung mit einem solchen instrument
US7879032B1 (en) Disposable electrosurgical handpiece
US4944746A (en) Method of and apparatus for separating a balloon in a balloon catheter
US20020082593A1 (en) Heating treatment system
US20070055223A1 (en) Methods and apparatus for hemostasis following arterial catheterization
US5383874A (en) Systems for identifying catheters and monitoring their use
US20130006239A1 (en) Electrosurgical systems and methods
JP2002153481A (ja) 医療用処置システム、処置具及び処置具用制御装置
WO1999049313A1 (en) Multi-use sensor having a controllable number of measurement cycles
JPH0368695B2 (de)
JP2005534069A (ja) レーザシステム
US8755420B2 (en) Failure protection apparatus and system
US20050239349A9 (en) Medical products with limited use aspect
US6872207B2 (en) Resectscope apparatus
CN101247767B (zh) 用于高频外科器械的安全设备
US7236827B2 (en) Single-use medical device
CN117883177A (zh) 射频能量发生装置和射频能量治疗系统
JPS61128959A (ja) 焼灼止血装置
JP4421444B2 (ja) 医療用デバイス用高周波電源装置
JPH09173349A (ja) 医療用凝固装置
JP7580547B2 (ja) 電気医療デバイス制御システム、電源装置、中継機器および給電方法
CN218445735U (zh) 一种高频电刀检测电路
JPS61288852A (ja) 焼灼止血装置
CN214857376U (zh) 注射器误推报警系统和设备
JPS61128960A (ja) 焼灼止血装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20000608

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20011008

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Free format text: 7A 61B 17/39 A

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: 7A 61B 18/00 A

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: 7A 61B 18/00 A

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: ALFRESA PHARMA CORPORATION

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050309

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050309

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

Effective date: 20050309

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050309

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050309

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050309

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050309

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: ALFRESA PHARMA CORPORATION

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69924094

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20050414

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050609

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050609

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050620

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050907

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20051005

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20051006

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20051006

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20051010

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20051031

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20051031

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20051031

Year of fee payment: 7

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

ET Fr: translation filed
26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20051212

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20070501

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20061006

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20070629

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061006

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20050609

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20061031